Police rescue teen from four-story roof ledge

JANESVILLE—Janesville police Tuesday night prevented a suicide attempt by a Janesville teen standing on the ledge of a building downtown, police said.

“A passerby noticed a girl standing out on the ledge of the four-story building in the first block of South Main Street,” Sgt. Aaron Ellis said.

Officers were dispatched at 9:20 p.m.

The first officer on scene talked with the 16-year-old Janesville girl from the ground and kept her distracted while another officer climbed to the roof from the back of the building, sneaked up behind the girl, grabbed her from the ledge and took her to safety, he said.

Ellis said the police report wasn't yet finished, and he didn't know why the girl was considering jumping.

She had checked out downtown buildings and picked the building on South Main Street, where she was able to access the roof.

The teen was taken to a local medical facility where she is being evaluated, Ellis said.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 800-273-TALK (8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.